Effect of Flaxseed Consumption on Central Obesity, Serum Lipids, and
Adiponectin Levels in Overweight or Obese Women: A Randomized Controlled
Clinical Trial
Abstract
Background: Flaxseed may be beneficial for the management of obesity due
to its high content of alpha-linolenic acid, fiber, and lignans.
Objective: We aimed to evaluate the effects of Flaxseed consumption on
serum lipids, adiponectin, leptin, and weight loss in overweight or
obese women. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial involved
60 overweight or obese women. Participants were randomly allocated to
two groups; a) a balanced diet plus 30 g/day milled Flaxseed and b) a
balanced diet plus 30g/day milled rice (as control group), for 12 weeks.
Anthropometric indices, serum lipids, leptin, and adiponectin levels
were measured at baseline and at the end of intervention. Results: After
12 weeks of intervention, there were significantly higher reductions in
waist circumference (WC) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) (both
P<0.05) in the flaxseed group compared to the controls.
Moreover, adiponectin level was significantly increased in the flaxseed
group (17.15±6.1) compared to the controls (16.83±10.5), (P=0.001).
However, there were no significant differences in serum lipid levels
between the study groups before and after the intervention (all
p>0.05). Conclusion: Flaxseed consumption may improve
adiposity markers, as well as adiponectin levels Thus, flaxseed
consumption could be an adjunctive therapy to attenuate central obesity.
Serum lipid profile has not changed significantly after flaxseed
consumption. Keywords: obesity, flaxseed, adiponectin, Leptin, blood
lipids